One of Portugal’s most popular and enduring resorts is celebrating its silver anniversary this month after a quarter of a century creating unforgettable memories for guests.
Onyria Quinta da Marinha, a picturesque haven in the tourist hotspot of Cascais, opened its doors on December 17, 1999 – signalling the start of a 25-year love affair with the local people and guests alike.
Throughout that time, the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel has undergone three major renovations – in 2007, 2014 and during the Covid-19 pandemic – and was joined by the Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel in 2023. Further accommodation has been created in the form of cosy villas, allowing guests to soak in the surrounding area in total seclusion.
Stars ranging from the soulful Joss Stone to football legends including Zlatan Ibrahimović and Luís Figo have come through the resort’s doors across its storied history. It was even the venue for one famed encounter between Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003, said to be instrumental in launching the player’s international career.
The resort is also known for its adjoining golf course, which commemorated its 40th anniversary this year. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, one of the most prolific and prominent architects in the history of the sport, the par-71 layout has hosted events on the Ladies European Tour, European Senior Tour and Challenge Tour. Rock legend Alice Cooper, tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and racers Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna are among the famous faces to test themselves on the course.
The opening of Onyria Quinta da Marinha marked the debut of José Carlos Pinto Coelho in the hospitality industry, and laid the foundations for the Onyria Group, which today spans hotels, golf, dining, and healthcare ventures.
João Pinto Coelho, CCO of Onyria Quinta da Marinha, said: “The last 25 years have been an incredible journey. Like any business, there have been ups and downs, but we are all so proud of what we have achieved.
“Now it’s time to look ahead to the next 25 years and how we can keep evolving. We’re really excited to keep finding new ways to make the experience for our guests and team even better.”
In recent years, the resort has added two Silver Medals for "Best Overseas Hotel" at the 2022 and 2023 M&IT Awards to a glittering trophy cabinet, as well as an award for Economic Sustainability in Hospitality by Great Hotels of the World in 2024. Last year, Onyria Quinta da Marinha was Tripadvisor’s highest-ranked hotel in Cascais out of 46.